NBA Free Agency: 5 Budget Point Guards for the Nets

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May 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard /

Austin Rivers:

2015-16 Stats:
PPG: 8.9

APG: 1.5

RPG: 1.9

TOV: 0.9

FG%: 43.8%

3P%: 33.5%
PER: 11.15

The last guy on this list is Austin Rivers. Rivers is a bit of an under the radar free agent this offseason after opting out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s spent the last two years playing for his father Doc Rivers and the Clippers after an underwhelming stint in New Orleans. Rivers is a capable scorer who is viewed by many as a combo guard rather than a true point guard. However, he could be a guy that blossoms when given a bigger role.

Rivers is still 23-years-old and could be a guy that ends up starting for an NBA down the road because of the fact he can improve, but he has a lot of growing left to do. It was clear from the beginning that it was always a bit awkward playing on a team coached by his father, and playing behind guys like Chris Paul, JJ Redick and Jamal Crawford, Rivers never really had a huge role with the Clippers. Still, he got a fair share of playing time and was mildly successful, averaging nearly 15 points a game per 36.

He showcased his ability as a starter when Paul went down with an injury against the Portland Trail Blazers in the playoffs. On a cheap deal, he could be worth a shot to see if there’s still untapped potential left.